Black Sea Bass is a popular and abundant fish with a slightly sweet taste and a delicate flaky white flesh. The fish pairs well with a wide range of vegetables, aromatics and sauces but this savory tomato, garlic and basil pairing is particularly delicious. It's also quick to prepare and highly nutritious.
3 Black Sea Bass filets
4 Campari tomatoes, cut into quarters (if using cherry tomatoes, use 10 - 12 and cut each in half)
1 large clove garlic, minced
5 fresh basil leaves, cut into ribbons (roll the leaves and cut against the grain)
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 tsp lemon zest
Juice of 1/4 lemon
2 tsps kosher salt
Freshly cracked black pepper
2 lemon wedges, for serving
Pat the sea bass dry
Lightly sprinkle both sides of each filet with kosher salt
Set aside
Heat skillet over medium heat
Add olive oil
Add tomatoes with a pinch of kosher salt and sauté until they begin to soften and exude some of their juices
Add garlic and stir until fragrant, approximately 30 seconds
Mix in the lemon zest
Lower heat and add basil and lemon juice. Stir and simmer on lowest setting while cooking the fish
Heat olive oil in iron skillet and add sea bass, skin side down
Cover and cook for 5 minutes
Flip and cook for 4 minutes
Fish should be flaky and internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C)
Top each fish filet with tomato, garlic & basil sauce, add freshly cracked black pepper and a pinch of sea salt, to taste. Serve with a lemon wedge, Basmati rice and Arugula salad.
Black Sea Bass is a low calorie, low fat white flaky fish. A good source of high quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids and a range of vitamins and minerals including B12, D, potassium and selenium. Regular consumption of fish, as part of a healthy balanced diet, supports metabolism, immune function, nerve function, red blood cell formation, electrolyte balance and lean muscle maintenance. The omega-3 fatty acids also support heart health, brain health and reduce inflammation. Black Sea Bass is a low mercury fish, averaging 0.13ppm according to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) which is below the high mercury threshold of 0.3ppm, making it a safe choice for most people.
Tomatoes are known for their content of the powerful antioxidant, lycopene, which can help lower the risk of heart disease. Tomatoes also contain other antioxidants including beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, which help protect vision and support eye health. Tomatoes contain vitamin K and calcium which are important for bone health. The fiber in tomatoes promotes healthy digestion and increases satiety, the feeling of fullness.
As an allium, garlic contains allicin, a compound with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Allicin has also been shown to support heart health by helping reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels and improve blood vessel function*.
*Nadeem MS,et al. Allicin, an Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Agent, Ameliorates Cognitive Impairment. Antioxidants (Basel). 2021 Dec 30;11(1):87. doi: 10.3390/antiox11010087. PMID: 35052591; PMCID: PMC8772758.
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